Alabama Power impounded the Tallapoosa River with Yates Dam in 1928, creating the reservoir that is known as Yates Lake. The dam, also known as the "Upper Tallassee Dam," is modest in size; but it sits on the original site for Alabama's first hydroelectric facility, which delivered Montgomery's first electricity in 1912. This reservoir receives water directly from Lake Martin, which is located immediately upstream from this lake. This location also provides Yates Lake with yet another name -- "middle pond" -- since the water from Yates Lake flows directly into Lake Thurlow in Tallassee.

The location of Yates Lake between the popular Lake Martin upstream and the more populated areas at Lake Thurlow downstream makes this lake ideal for anglers. Although access to the lake is limited, that fact alone makes this lake ideal for fishing, as other water recreation sports are limited.

Fishing

Martin Dam, located just eight miles upstream from Yates Dam, creates a unique situation for anglers. Lake Martin Dam discharges cold water from deep within that larger lake, which provides a prolonged spawning period for bream. The lake is known for its excellent "shellcracker" (bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish) fishing from April through July.

Although bass enjoy the colder water, the lack of forage fish doesn't provide a stellar environment for large bass -- but the mortality rates for largemouth and spotted bass are low, so those fish are caught on a regular basis. Anglers also can find white and black crappie, striped and white bass, and a variety of catfish species.

The largest public access point to the lake is located at Yates Dam Park from County Road 44 to County Road 30. Two smaller and more primitive ramps are located at the north end of the lake and at Coon Creek Tract.

Anglers and boaters who want to use Yates Lake have a variety of lodging options both north and south. Wind Creek State Park is located on Lake Martin's northeast shore, about 27 miles north of the Yates Lake's eastern shore. That park also is located near Alexander City, a town that provides numerous accommodations. To the south, visitors also can stay at a variety of locations in Tallassee, which borders the southern end of this lake.

Yates Dam is located immediately north of the City of Tallassee, and the dam straddles the river between Tallapoosa and Elmore Counties. The closest small towns include Eclectic, Tallassee, Tallapoosa City, and Friendship. The closest large city is Montgomery, accessible via I-85 West, located just south of Tallassee.